Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

Noted (AI summary) Cornwall Council is awaiting a response from the Porthleven Food Festival event organiser regarding additional safety measures. The council will also write to all harbours and event organisers for events near harbours, making them aware of the incident and asking them to consider harbour edges as part of their risk assessment process, to be completed by the end of April 2023. The HSE clarifies its regulatory remit regarding Porthleven Harbour, stating it only applies where a work activity is taking place. It states that vires in relation to festivals and other public events falls to the Local Authority, in this case the licensing arm of Cornwall Council and their Environmental Health Office (EHO). The HSE will visit to review the health and safety arrangements at the commercial crabbing area. Porthleven Harbour & Dock Company expresses condolences and states that the Porthleven Food Festival is responsible for all health and safety matters. They state that there is no evidence of where the deceased fell into the water or that he fell at all and that the report does not point to failure of the Harbour & Dock Company to recognise potential public danger. They are committed to ongoing reviews of health and safety issues.

Noted (AI summary) The Home Office acknowledges the coroner's concerns and outlines the government's commitment to providing resources to the police, including increasing officer numbers and funding for Devon and Cornwall Police. They also mention plans to introduce a new police funding formula. Devon and Cornwall Police detailed actions taken to address staffing and workload challenges in their CMCUs, including improvements in demand response times, implementation of wellbeing initiatives for personnel, and a process for recording and implementing learning from each summer period.

Noted (AI summary) The Home Office acknowledges the concerns raised, explains the existing legislative framework, and states that it prefers to encourage sensible planning rather than mandating every element of it through legislation, pointing to guidance from the Cabinet Office.

Noted (AI summary) The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges concerns about opioid overuse and misuse. They outline actions taken, including a PHE evidence review, front-of-pack warnings on opioid medications, and structured medication reviews in primary care. The ACMD acknowledges the concerns and will gather more information on the scale of the issue of morphine sulfate solution misuse, being mindful of its legitimate use. They will request information from DHSC and NHS-E&I regarding patient safety incidents.

Noted (AI summary) The MCA confirms its search and rescue services were maintained during the pandemic, describes collaboration with Surf Life Saving GB, and states responsibility for beach safety lies with landowners. The RNLI details the impact of Covid-19 on its lifeguard service, outlines its role in beach safety, and describes a joint publicity campaign with HM Coastguard and co-authored guidance for local authorities.

Noted (AI summary) The MCA outlines its role in coordinating search and rescue missions, clarifies it has no responsibility for beach lifeguards, and describes publicity campaigns with the RNLI to encourage personal responsibility for safety. The RNLI details the impact of Covid-19 on its lifeguard service, outlines its role in beach safety, and describes a joint publicity campaign with HM Coastguard and co-authored guidance for local authorities.

Noted (AI summary) The RNLI is revising plans to provide lifeguard cover on additional beaches, working with landowners and councils to confirm beaches and timings for public announcement. The MCA is increasing HM Coastguard vehicle patrols to known safety hotspots for surveillance and swift response. The MCA reiterates its role in coordinating search and rescue, clarifies that it has no statutory responsibility for beach safety, and states that it will continue to work with partners on safety campaigns.

Noted (AI summary) The RNLI is revising plans to increase lifeguard cover on beaches, working with landowners and councils to confirm beaches and timings, with public announcements to follow. The MCA is increasing HM Coastguard vehicle patrols to known safety hotspots for surveillance and swift response. The MCA states they have no statutory responsibilities for beach safety, but continue to work with partners on safety campaigns, including a joint campaign with the RNLI; they are ready to support the inquests.